Although it might be pretty big in consumer electronics and quite successful in mobile phones, Panasonic is not the vendor you would think of when looking for a new laptop. This is because Panasonic has been focusing mainly on government and business markets with harsh working conditions with their Toughbook rugged laptop line. And it has quite a few to fascinating stories to tell, like Toughbook surviving direct bullet hit or working after being covered by a few feet of mud.

Now Panasonic is going after the bigger business market with the introduction of semi-rugged Toughbook 74 13.3″ laptop. Presented at 2006 CTIA Wireless, highly portable $2,891 Panasonic Toughbook 74 has:

Intel® Core™ Duo Processor 1.83 GHz T2400
512MB SDRAM (DDR2) standard, expandable to 4096MB
80GB HDD
13.3″ 1024 x 768 (XGA) transmissive, daylight-readable TFT Active Matrix Color LCD with Touchscreen
External video support up to 2048 x 1536
Intel GMA 950
Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-R/RW) standard
Accepts optional DVD Multi Drive
10/100/1000 Ethernet
Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945
Lithium Ion battery pack (11.1V, 7.8Ah)
Battery operation: 8 hours
Dimensions: 1.7″-2.4″(H) x 12″(W) x 10.3″(D)
Weight: 5.9 lbs

While basic specs like processor, memory or hard drive are nothing to brag about with almost $2900 price tag, Panasonic Toughbook 74 excels for it’s portability, durability and security.

Weighting only 5.9 lbs Panasonic Toughbook 74 is very easy to carry around and it can work for up to 8 hours with standard battery. Magnesium alloy case, spill resistant keyboard and shock protected hard drive makes sure that it will survive occasional drop or spilled coffee cup. Daylight readable LCD touch screen let’s you do you work inside and outside under various weather conditions. Fingerprint scanner and Trusted Platform Module Security Chip assures that your data is protected even if you lose it.